Compositions and methods for increasing immunogenicity of glycoprotein vaccines

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the microbial immunogens engineered to bear α-gal epitope(s) for induction of potent humoral and cellular immune responses when administered to subjects having anti-Gal antibodies. In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions and methods for propagating influenza virus in human, ape, Old World monkey or bird cells that have been engineered to express an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α 1,3GT) gene to produce virions bearing hemagglutinin molecules containing α-gal epitopes, to increase the immunogenicity of the influenza virus. In another embodiment, the present invention provides fusion proteins between influenza virus hemagglutinin and a microbial peptide or protein of interest, and enzymatic processing of this fusion protein to carry α-gal epitopes, to increase the immunogenicity of the microbial peptide or protein of interest.

This application is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/450,384, filed on Sep. 23, 2009, which is the U.S. National stage filing of, and claims priority to, PCT Application No. PCT/US2008/004020, filed on Mar. 26, 2008, now abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. provisional Application Ser. No. 60/920,221, filed on Mar. 26, 2007, now abandoned, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with government support under Grant number AI058749awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of microbial vaccines such as influenza virus vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions related to flu virus and flu virus immunogens that comprise α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza virus infection. Annual flu outbreaks in the United States affect 5-20% of the population (CDC Fact Sheet, 2006). Flu complications such as bacterial pneumonia, ear and/or sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions can result in severe illness and even death. Yearly flu vaccinations are recommended for preventing the flu, particularly for high-risk individuals (e.g., children, elderly, etc.) and their caretakers (e.g., health care workers).

Currently used inactivated influenza (flu) virus vaccines are the product of the 6+2 re-assortment containing hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from the vaccine target strain and the remaining genes from A/Puerto Rico/8/34-H1N1 (PR8). These vaccines display suboptimal efficacy as determined by the finding that approximately 25%-50% of immunized individuals (in particular elderly populations) contract the disease during the flu season (Webster, Vaccine, 18:1686, 2000). The need for increasing immunogenicity of flu vaccines is an urgent matter because of the risk for pandemic outbreaks of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The avian flu virus causes severe and often fatal disease in humans characterized by fulminant pneumonia and multi-organ failure (De Jong et al., Nat Med. 12:1203, 2006). The virus displays high replication efficacy, broad tissue tropism and systemic replication, which is likely associated with the high virulence of this virus (De Jong et al., supra, 2006). The avian flu virus has caused the recently documented human H5N1 infections. However, there is a significant risk that additional mutations in H5N1 will convert the virus into an infectious form able to spread from human to human. Therefore, the development of an effective prophylactic vaccine against both the seasonal infectious wild type virus and the H5N1 avian virus is needed to prevent future pandemics.

Based on a wide body of research that has been performed on flu vaccines it has been determined that an effective flu vaccine, will have to achieve several immunological goals including: 1) eliciting an anti-HA reactive antibody response to prevent infection of cells (including respiratory tract cells) by the pathogenic virus; and 2) eliciting a broad cross-protective antibody response against the conserved M2e ectodomain of the ion channel M2 protein for inducing antibody mediated destruction of infected cells expressing large amounts of the M2 protein; and 3) eliciting a broad cross-protective cellular immune response against flu virus nucleoprotein (NP) for including cytotoxic T cells (CTL) mediated destruction of infected cells presenting NP peptides (Black et al., J Gen Virol. 74:143-146,1993; and Flynn et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 96:8597, 1999). The broad immune response to M2e and to NP is feasible since these proteins are conserved in various flu virus strains, unlike HA which differs significantly in different strains (Black et al., supra, 1993; and Riberdy et al., J Virol, 73:1453, 1999). Since the M2 protein is present in only small amounts in subunit vaccines (Zhang et al. Mol Immunol, 43: 2195, 2006), and since NP is non-immunogenic in subunit vaccines, the immunogenicity of recombinant M2e and NP has been found to be suboptimal (Mozdzanowska et al., Vaccine, 21: 2616, 2003). Such low immunogenicity is usually associated with poor uptake of the vaccine by antigen presenting cells (APC) at the inoculation site.

Thus, compositions and methods for increasing the immunogenicity of inactivated flu virus are needed in the art. Likewise, compositions and methods for increasing the immunogenicity of other microbial antigens are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of microbial vaccines in general and influenza virus vaccines in particular. In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions and methods for propagating influenza virus in, for example, human, ape, old world monkey or bird cells that have been engineered to express an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) gene to produce virions bearing α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R). Administration of influenza virus bearing α-gal epitopes to a subject results in enhanced targeting of the virions to antigen presenting cells resulting in a heightened humoral and cellular immune response to influenza. In another embodiment, the present invention provides fusion proteins between influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and a microbial peptide or protein of interest, and enzymatic processing of this fusion protein to carry α-gal epitopes, to increase the immunogenicity of the microbial peptide or protein of interest.

The present invention provides methods comprising: providing an influenza virus and a host cell susceptible to infection by the influenza virus and comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) in operable combination with a promoter; and inoculating the host cell to produce an inoculated host cell, wherein the inoculated host cell produces an influenza virus bearing an α-gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R). In some embodiments, the influenza virus is an influenza A virus or an influenza B virus. In some embodiments, the host cell is selected from the group consisting of a human cell, an ape cell, an Old World monkey cell and a bird cell. In some preferred embodiments, the Old World monkey cell is a Vero cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a New World monkey cell or a non-primate mammalian cell. In some preferred embodiments, the non-primate mammalian cell is a MDCK cell or a NIH/3T3 cell. In some embodiments, the α1,3gal is an enzyme of a species selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a cow, a cat, a sheep, a rat, a pig and a New World monkey. In some preferred embodiments, the New World monkey is a common marmoset. In some preferred embodiments, the methods further comprise inactivating the influenza virus bearing an α-gal epitope to produce an inactivated influenza virus bearing an α-gal epitope. In additional embodiments, the methods further comprise administering the inactivated influenza virus bearing an α-gal epitope to a subject having anti-Gal antibodies under conditions suitable for induction of an immune response by the subject. In some embodiments, the subject is selected from the group consisting of humans, apes. Old World monkeys and birds. In some embodiments, the immune response comprises one or both of production of antibodies reactive with the influenza virus and T lymphocytes reactive with cells infected by the influenza virus. In some preferred embodiments, the administering is such that the subject's susceptibility to developing symptoms of influenza virus infection is reduced.

Additionally, the present invention provides compositions comprising an isolated host cell susceptible to infection by an influenza virus and comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) in operable combination with a promoter. In some preferred embodiments, the isolated host cell has little or no sialytransferase activity. In some embodiments, the isolated host cell is an inoculated host cell that produces an influenza virus bearing an α-gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R). In some embodiments, the influenza virus is an influenza A virus or an influenza B virus. In some embodiments, the host cell is selected from the group consisting of a human cell, an ape cell, an Old World monkey cell and a bird cell. In some preferred embodiments, the Old World monkey cell is a Vero cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a New World monkey cell or a non-primate mammalian cell. In some preferred embodiments, the non-primate mammalian cell is a MDCK cell or a NIH/3T3 cell. In some embodiments, the α1,3gal is an enzyme of a species selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a cow, a cat, a sheep, a rat, a pig and a New World monkey. In some preferred embodiments, the New World monkey is a common marmoset.

The present invention also provides methods comprising producing a fusion protein comprising an amino-terminal portion and a carboxy-terminal portion, wherein the amino-terminal portion comprises a glycoprotein with two or more carbohydrate chains bearing α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R) and the carboxy-terminal portion comprises a protein antigen of interest. Moreover the present invention provides compositions comprising a fusion protein comprising an amino-terminal portion and a carboxy-terminal portion, wherein the amino-terminal portion comprises a glycoprotein with two or more carbohydrate chains bearing α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4(3)GlcNAc-R) and the carboxy-terminal portion comprises a protein antigen of interest.

The present invention provides methods of producing an isolated fusion protein comprising an amino-terminal portion and a carboxy-terminal portion, the method comprising: providing recombinant host cells comprising an expression vector, wherein the expression vector comprises a nucleic acid encoding the fusion protein in operable combination with a promoter, and wherein the amino-terminal portion comprises influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and the carboxy-terminal portion comprises a protein antigen of interest; culturing the recombinant host cells to produce the fusion protein; and isolating the fusion protein. In some embodiments, the influenza virus is an influenza A virus or an influenza B virus. In some preferred embodiments, the amino-terminal portion comprises an extracellular domain of HA in the absence of transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of HA. In some preferred embodiments, the protein antigen of interest comprises an influenza virus nucleoprotein or an influenza virus M2e oligopeptide. In some embodiments, the protein antigen of interest is of a microbial pathogen selected from the group consisting of a virus, a bacterium, a parasite and a fungus. In some preferred embodiments, the methods further comprise incubating the fusion protein in the presence of neuraminidase, α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) and UDP-galactose to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes. In some embodiments, the neuraminidase is derived 3 from Vibrio cholera. In some embodiments, the α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) is a recombinant marmoset enzyme. In some preferred embodiments, the transgenic host cell further comprises an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding influenza virus neuraminidase in operable combination with a promoter to effect removal of sialic acid from the fusion protein to produce a sialic acid deficient fusion protein. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise incubating the sialic acid deficient fusion protein in the presence of α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) and UDP-galactose to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes. In some embodiments, the transgenic host cell further comprises an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) in operable combination with a promoter to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise administering the fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes to a subject having anti-Gal antibodies under conditions suitable for induction of an immune response by the subject. In some embodiments, the subject is selected from the group consisting of humans, apes, old world monkeys and birds. In some embodiments, the immune response comprises production of antibodies reactive with the fusion protein and T lymphocytes reactive with antigen presenting cells pulsed with the fusion protein. In some embodiments, the administering is such that the subject's susceptibility to developing symptoms of influenza virus infection is reduced. Also provided are fusion proteins produced by the above methods.

Additionally, the present invention provides compositions comprising a fusion protein comprising an amino-terminal portion and a carboxy-terminal portion, wherein the amino-terminal portion comprises an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and the carboxy-terminal portion comprises a protein antigen of interest. In some preferred embodiments, the HA bears α-gal epitopes. In some embodiments, the protein antigen of interest does not bear α-gal epitopes. In some embodiments, the HA is of an influenza A virus or an influenza B virus. In some preferred embodiments, the HA is of an avian influenza virus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising anti-Gal mediated targeting of flu_(αgal) virus vaccine (propagated in Vero_(αGT) cells) to antigen presenting cells (APC). Nonetheless, knowledge of the mechanism(s) involved is not necessary in order to make and use the present invention. Inactivated flu virus with α-gal epitopes (dark dots) is injected into a vaccine recipient. Anti-Gal binds to the α-gal epitopes on the virus and opsonizes it. The Fc portion of anti-Gal interacts with Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on APC and induces the uptake of the vaccine by the APC. The internalized virus undergoes processing in the endocytic vesicles and in the cytoplasm. The viral immunogenic peptides are presented on MHC class I molecules for the activation of CD8+ CTL precursors (T_(C) cells), and on MHC class II molecules for the activation of helper T cells (T_(H) cells). This activation is also facilitated by signal 2 (e.g., co-stimulation) provided by the APC (CD28 interacting with CD80/86). Activated T_(H) cells provide help for the antibody response by B cells and for CTL activation. Activated T_(C) cells differentiate into CTL that kill virus infected cells. This mechanism of anti-Gal mediated targeting of vaccines is applicable also for recombinant fusion proteins such as HA_(αgal)-M2e and HA_(αgal)-NP, in which anti-Gal binds to α-gal epitopes on the ≥6 carbohydrate chains of the HA portion of the fusion protein and thus targets the vaccinating fusion glycoprotein to the APC. Again, knowledge of the mechanism(s) involved is not necessary in order to make and use the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the influenza virus HA glycoprotein. HA of influenza virus produced in mammalian cells has at least 6 N (asparagine)-linked carbohydrate chains as shown on the left carbohydrate chain. The sialic acid (SA) residues capping the N-linked carbohydrate chains (left chain) are removed (e.g., desialylated) by neuraminidase (middle chain). The α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) are synthesized by the linking of galactose (Gal) from the sugar donor uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-GAL), to the exposed N-acetyllactosamines (Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) residues as a result of the catalytic activity of recombinant α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT). These α-gal epitopes of the HA portion of the vaccinating fusion proteins HA_(αgal)-M2e and HA_(αgal)-NP when administered to a subject readily bind in situ to natural anti-Gal IgG molecules (illustrated as a schematic IgG molecule), forming immune complexes that target HA to APC.

FIG. 3A shows the expression of α-gal epitopes on HA of PR8_(αgal) as demonstrated by Western blots stained with serum anti-Gal purified from α1,3GT knockout (KO) mouse serum, and with anti-Gal M86 mAb. FIG. 3B shows the binding of anti-Gal M86 mAb to α-gal epitopes expressed on PR8_(αgal) virus attached to microtiter plate wells as determined by ELISA. Open triangles represent unprocessed PR8 virus, open squares represent PR8 virus incubated with inactivated recombinant α1,3GT, while open circles represent PR8_(αgal) virus generated by incubation of PR8 with active recombinant α1,3GT.

FIG. 4 provides the results of an ELISPOT analysis for IFNγ secretion in mice injected with PR8 or PR8_(αgal). The spleen lymphocytcs were obtained 4 weeks after the second injection of inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus, or PR8 virus (1 μg in Ribi adjuvant) and were co-incubated for 24 h with dendritic cells (DC) pre-pulsed with PR8 virus. The lymphocytes were incubated in ELISPOT wells coated with anti-IFNγ antibody and thus the spots in each well represent IFNγ secreting T cells. The lymphocytes were tested in the presence of PR8 pulsed DC (dark columns), or with control DC that were not pulsed with PR8 (light columns). Data is shown as the mean±standard deviation of spots/10⁶ cells from triplicate wells.

FIGS. 5A-B shows the intracytoplasmic cytokine staining for IFNγ in CD8+ (FIG. 5A) and CD4+ Tcells (FIG. 5B) in PR8 or PR8_(αgal) immunized mice. The spleen lymphocytes were obtained 4 weeks after the second injection of inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus, or PR8 virus (1 μg in Ribi adjuvant) and were co-incubated for 24 h with dendritic cells (DC) pre-pulsed with PR8 virus. The lymphocytes from 6 mice in each group were double stained for intracytoplasmic IFNγ and for the CD8 or CD4 membrane markers.

FIGS. 6A-C graphically depicts the production of anti-PR8 antibodies in mice immunized with 1 μg inactivated PR8_(αgal) (O), or with 1 μg inactivated PR8 (O) in Ribi adjuvant. FIG. 6A shows the anti-PR8 IgG response in KO mice (n=6 per group). FIG. 6B shows the anti-PR8 IgG response in wild type (WT) mice (n=6 per group). FIG. 6C shows the anti-PR8 IgA response in KO mice (n=6 per group).

FIG. 7 compares the survival of mice immunized with inactivated PR8 (O) or with inactivated PR8_(αgal) (O) and challenged intranasally with 2000 PFU (plaque forming units) of live PR8 in 50 μl (n=26/group). The data are presented as the percentage of mice surviving the viral challenge, which did not change after day 15 post-challenge.

FIGS. 8A-C shows the steps involved in the production of a HA-M2e fusion protein. The gene of the fusion protein HA-M2e is generated by PCR as follows. FIG. 8A) The HA gene (without the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions) is amplified with a downstream (3′) primer that includes sequences encoding M2e, encoding three glycines (as a linker) and 15 nucleotides of the 3′ domain of the HA gene (but not including the HA stop codon). FIG. 8B) The resulting PCR product of step 1 including the HA gene and the additional sequence of M2e (dotted lines) is mixed with a 3′ primer of M2e, a tag of 6 histidines (His₆), a stop codon and a restriction site. The 5′ primer is that of HA containing a restriction site, which is different than that in the 3′ region. FIG. 8C) The resulting gene contains HA fused to M2e via a Gly₃ linker, as well as a C-terminal His₆ tag. This gene is inserted into a vector used for transfection and expression of the gene in mammalian cells for in vitro or in vivo expression of the recombinant gene.

FIGS. 9A-C shows the steps involved in the production of a HA-NP fusion protein. The gene of the fusion protein HA-NP is generated by PCR as follows. FIG. 9A) The HA gene (without the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions) is amplified with a downstream (3′) primer that includes sequences encoding 3 glycines (as a linker). The NP sequence is amplified with a 5′ sequence encoding 3 glycines and the 3′ sequence of HA (but not including the HA stop codon). FIG. 9B) The resulting PCR products of step 1 including the HA gene and the sequence of NP (dotted lines) is mixed with a 3′ primer of NP (but not including the NP stop codon), a tag of 6 histidines (His₆), a stop codon and a restriction site. The 5′ primer is that of HA containing a restriction site, which is different from that in the 3′ region. In the initial cycles of this PCR, the NP gene (previously amplified by PCR) serves as a 3′ primer for the HA sequence, while the HA gene (previously amplified by PCR) serves as a 5′ primer for NP (small arrows). Once the full length HA-NP fused gene is synthesized, it is further amplified by the 5′ HA and 3′ NP ((+His₆+stop codon) primers containing the restriction sites. FIG. 9C) The resulting gene contains HA fused to NP via the Gly₃ linker, as well as a C-terminal His₆ tag. This gene is inserted into a vector used for transfection and expression of the gene in mammalian cells for in vitro or in vivo expression of the recombinant gene.

FIG. 10A provides a nucleic acid sequence of an exemplary marmoset α1,3galactosyltransferase (SEQ ID NO:1), while FIG. 10B provides the corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2).

FIG. 11A provides a nucleic acid sequence of an exemplary mouse α1,3galactosyltransferase (SEQ ID NO:3), while FIG. 11B provides the corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:4).

FIG. 12 provides a ClustalW alignment of α1,3galactosyltransferase amino acid sequences of marmoset (SEQ ID NO:2), mouse (SEQ ID NO:4), cow (SEQ ID NO:5), cat (SEQ ID NO:6), sheep (SEQ ID NO:7), rat (SEQ ID NO:8) and pig (SEQ ID NO:9). The alignment is generated from scores calculated as described (Wilbur and Lipman. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 80:726-730, 1983; and Myers and Miller. Comput Applic Biosci. 4:11-17, 1988).

DEFINITIONS

To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, a number of terms and phrases are defined below:

The term “α-gal epitope” as used herein, refers to any molecule, or part of a molecule, with a terminal structure comprising Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R, Galα1-3Galβ1-3GlcNAc-R, or any carbohydrate chain with terminal Galα1-3Gal at the non-reducing end.

The term “glycolipid” as used herein, refers to any molecule with at least one carbohydrate chain linked to a ceramide, a fatty acid chain, or any other lipid. Alternatively, a glycolipid maybe referred to as a glycosphingolipid.

The term “gene” refers to a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequence that comprises coding sequences necessary for the production of a polypeptide or precursor or RNA (e.g., IRNA, siRNA, rRNA, etc.). The polypeptide can be encoded by a fulal length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence so long as the desired activity or functional properties (e.g., enzymatic activity, ligand binding, signal transduction, etc.) of the full-length or fragment are retained. The term also encompasses the coding region of a structural gene and the sequences located adjacent to the coding region on both the 5′ and 3′ ends, such that the gene corresponds to the length of the full-length mRNA. The sequences that are located 5′ of the coding region and which are present on the mRNA are referred to as 5′ untranslated sequences. The sequences that are located 3′ or downstream of the coding region and that are present on the mRNA are referred to as 3′ untranslated sequences. The term “gene” encompasses both cDNA and genomic forms of a gene. A genomic form or clone of a gene contains the coding region, which may be interrupted with non-coding sequences termed “introns” or “intervening regions” or “intervening sequences.” Introns are removed or “spliced out” from the nuclear or primary transcript, and are therefore absent in the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript. The mRNA functions during translation to specify the sequence or order of amino acids in a nascent polypeptide. For instance the term “HA gene” encompasses the full-length HA nucleotide sequence. However, it is also intended that the term encompass fragments of the HA nucleotide sequence, as well as other domains (e.g., functional domains) within the full-length HA nucleotide sequence. Furthermore, the terms “HA gene,” “HA nucleotide sequence,” and “HA polynucleotide sequence” encompass DNA, cDNA, and RNA sequences.

As used herein, “homology” refers to sequence similarity or identity as determined using standard techniques known in the art (See e.g., Pearson and Lipman, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 85:2444, 1988; programs such as GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, Madison, Wis.; and Devereux et al., Nucl Acid Res, 12:387-395, 1984). Sequence similarity determinations are made in part through aligning sequences. A commonly used alignment method is BLAST, although there are other methods that also find use in aligning sequences (Altschul el al., J Mol Biol, 215:403-410, 1990; and Karlin et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 90:5873-5787, 1993). A particularly useful BLAST program is the WU-BLAST-2 program (See, Altschul et al., Meth Enzymol, 266:460-480, 1996). WU-BLAST-2 uses several search parameters, most of which are set to the default values. The adjustable parameters are set with the following values: overlap span=1, overlap fraction=0.125, word threshold (T)=11. The HSP S and HSP S2 parameters are dynamic values and are established by the program itself depending upon the composition of the particular sequence and composition of the particular database against which the sequence of interest is being searched. However, the values may be adjusted to increase sensitivity. A percent amino acid sequence identity value is determined by the number of matching identical residues divided by the total number of residues of the longer sequence in the aligned region. The longer sequence is the one having the most actual residues in the aligned region (gaps introduced by WU-Blast-2 to maximize the alignment score are ignored). Likewise, percent (%) nucleic acid sequence identity is defined as the percentage of nucleotide residues in a candidate sequence that are identical to the nucleotide residues of the starting sequence (i.e., the sequence of interest). A preferred method utilizes the BLASTN module of WU-BLAST-2 set to the default parameters, with overlap span and overlap fraction set to 1 and 0.125, respectively.

As used herein, the term “hybridization” refers to the process by which a strand of nucleic acid joins with a complementary strand through base pairing, as known in the art.

A nucleic acid sequence is considered to be “selectively hybridizable” to a reference nucleic acid sequence if the two sequences specifically hybridize to one another under moderate to high stringency hybridization and wash conditions. Hybridization conditions are based on the melting temperature (Tm) of the nucleic acid binding complex or probe. For example, “maximum stringency” typically occurs at about Tm−5° C. (5° below the Tm of the probe); “high stringency” at about 5-10° C. below the Tm; “intermediate stringency” at about 10-20° C. below the Tm of the probe; and “low stringency” at about 20-25° C. below the Tm. Functionally, maximum stringency conditions may be used to identify sequences having strict identity or near-strict identity with the hybridization probe; while intermediate or low stringency hybridization can be used to identify or detect polynucleotide sequence homologs.

Moderate and high stringency hybridization conditions are well known in the art. An example of high stringency conditions includes hybridization at about 42° C. in 50% formamide, 5×SSC, 5×Denhardt's solution, 0.5% SDS and 100 μg/ml denatured carrier DNA followed by washing two times in 2×SSC and 0.5% SDS at room temperature and two additional times in 0.1×SSC and 0.5% SDS at 42° C. An example of moderate stringent conditions include an overnight incubation at 37° C. in a solution comprising 20% formamide, 5×SSC (150 mM NaCl, 15 mM trisodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5×Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate and 20 mg/ml denatured sheared salmon sperm DNA, followed by washing the filters in 1×SSC at about 37-50° C. Those of skill in the art know how to adjust the temperature, ionic strength, etc. as necessary to accommodate factors such as probe length and the like.

As used herein, the term “purified” refers to molecules (polynucleotides or polypeptides) that are removed from their natural environment, isolated or separated. “Substantially purified” molecules are at least 50% free, preferably at least 75% free, more preferably at least 90% and most preferably at least 95% free from other components with which they are naturally associated. Similarly, the term “isolated” as used herein, refers to any composition or mixture that has undergone a laboratory purification procedure including, but not limited to, extraction, centrifugation and chromatographic separation (e.g., thin layer chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography). Usually such a purification procedures provides an isolated composition or mixture based upon physical, chemical, or electrical potential properties. Depending upon the choice of procedure an isolated composition or mixture may contain other compositions, compounds or mixtures having similar chemical properties.

The term “fusion protein” as used herein refers to a protein formed by expression of a hybrid gene made by combining two gene sequences. Typically this is accomplished by cloning a cDNA into an expression vector in frame with an existing gene. The fusion partner may act as a reporter (e.g., βgal) or may provide a tool for isolation purposes (e.g., GST).

The terms “alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase,” “α1,3GT,” “glycoprotein alpha-galactosyltransferase 1” and “GGTA1,” as used herein refer to any enzyme capable of synthesizing α-gal epitopes. The enzyme is expressed in most mammals with the exception of humans, apes and Old World monkeys. The carbohydrate structure produced by the enzyme is immunogenic in man and most healthy people have high titer natural anti α-gal antibodies. In some embodiments, the term “α1,3GT” refers to a common marmoset gene (e.g., Callithrix jacchus—GENBANK Accession No. S71333) and its gene product, as well as its functional mammalian counterparts (e.g., other New World monkeys, prosimians and non-primate mammals, but not Old World monkeys, apes and humans). The marmoset α1,3GT coding region is set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, while the marmoset α1,3GT protein sequence is set forth as SEQ ID NO:2. Moreover, the mouse α1,3GT coding sequence is set forth as SEQ ID NO:3 (e.g., Mus musculus—nucleotides 445 to 1560 of GENBANK Accession No. NM_010283), while the mouse α1,3GT protein sequence is set forth as SEQ ID NO:4. Other non-primate mammalian α1,3GT enzymes include but are not limited to bovine α1,3GT (e.g., Bos taurus—GENBANK Accession No. NM_177511), feline α1,3GT (e.g., Felis catus—GENBANK Accession No. NM_001009308), ovine α1,3GT (e.g., Ovis aries—GENBANK Accession No. NM_001009764), rat α1,3GT (e.g., Rattus norvegicus—GENBANK Accession No. NM_145674) and porcine α1,3GT (e.g., Sus scrofa—GENBANK Accession No. NM_213810). Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a functional variant of a mammalian α1,3GT, which differs from the wild type mammalian α1,3GT sequences in, for example, fewer than 1-5% of the residues. In particular, α1,3GT variants include but are not limited to naturally occurring functional mammalian α1,3GT variants, as well as non-naturally occurring variants generated by recombinant or other means (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions, preferably corresponding to a residue from a functional mammalian α1,3GT homolog) are contemplated to find use in the compositions and methods of the present invention. In other embodiments, truncated forms of a mammalian α1,3GT, which retain catalytic activity, are employed (e.g., GGTA1 lacking 90 amino acid N-terminal stem region).

The term “anti-Gal binding epitope”, as used herein, refers to any molecule or part of molecule that is capable of binding in vivo the natural anti-Gal antibody.

The term “vaccine” as used herein, refers to a composition that is administered to produce or artificially increase an immune response to an immunogen. For example, “vaccine compositions” frequently comprise a preparation of killed or live attenuated microorganisms. Alternatively, subunit vaccines frequently comprise a preparation of isolated nucleic acids or proteins corresponding to the genes or gene products of a microorganism of interest.

The term “route” as used herein, refers to methods for administration of a prophylactic or therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, “route” refers to the method of administration of a vaccine including but not limited to intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, oral, intranasal, intravaginal, intrarectal, and stomacheal administration methods.

As used herein, the term “physiologically acceptable solution” refers to an isotonic solution such as an aqueous solution comprising for example, saline, phosphate buffered saline, Hanks' solution, or Ringer's solution.

As used herein, the term “immune response” refers to the reactivity of a subject's immune system in response to an antigen. In mammals, this may involve antibody production, induction of cell-mediated immunity, and/or complement activation. The term immune response encompasses but is not limited to one or more of a “lymphocyte proliferative response,” a “cytokine response,” an “antibody response,” and a “cytotoxic T lymphocyte response.”

The term “reactive with an antigen of interest” when made in reference to an immune response refers to an increased level of the immune response to the antigen of interest (e.g., flu virus) as compared to the level of the immune response to a control (e.g., irrelevant antigen).

The term “lymphocyte proliferative response” refers to antigen-induced increase in lymphocyte numbers. Alternatively, or in addition, the term “proliferation” refers to the physiological and morphological progression of changes that cells undergo when dividing, for instance including DNA replication as measured by tritiated thymidine incorporation.

The term “cytokine response” refers to antigen-induced cytokine secretion by lymphocytes as measured for instance by assaying culture supernatants for cytokine content (e.g., IL-2, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-4, etc) by ELISA.

The term “antibody response” refers to the production of antibodies (e.g., IgM, IgA, IgG) that bind to an antigen of interest (e.g., flu virus), this response is measured for instance by assaying sera by ELISA.

As used herein, the term “antibodies reactive with” refers to antibodies that bind to an antigen of interest. In preferred embodiments, the term “antibodies reactive with” is used in reference to antibodies that bind to a virus of interest (or to a viral protein).

The term “cytotoxic T lymphocytes reactive with” refers to cytotoxic T lymphocytes capable of lysing an MHC (e.g., HLA)-matched cell presenting epitopes derived from an antigen of interest. In preferred embodiments, the term “cytotoxic T lymphocytes reactive with” is used in reference to cytotoxic T lymphocytes or CTLs capable of lysing a MHC-matched cell infected by a virus of interest, or presenting epitopes derived from viral proteins.

The term “helper T lymphocytes reactive with” refers to helper T lymphocytes capable of secreting lymphokines in response to an MHC (e.g., HLA)-matched cell presenting epitopes derived from an antigen of interest. In preferred embodiments, the term “helper T lymphocytes reactive with” is used in reference to helper T lymphocytes or T_(H) cells capable of secreting lymphokines in response to an MHC-matched cell infected by the virus of interest, or presenting epitopes derived from viral proteins.

The term “adjuvant” as used herein refers to any compound that when injected together with an antigen, non-specifically enhances the immune response to that antigen. Exemplary adjuvants include but are not limited to incomplete Freunds adjuvant (IFA), aluminum-based adjuvants (e.g., AlOH, AlPO4, etc), and Montanide ISA 720.

The terms “excipient,” “carrier” and “vehicle” as used herein refer to usually inactive accessory substances into which a pharmaceutical substance (e.g., inactivated flu virus) is suspended. Exemplary carriers include liquid carriers (such as water, saline, culture medium, aqueous dextrose, and glycols) and solid carriers (such as carbohydrates exemplified by starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, and dextrans, anti-oxidants exemplified by ascorbic acid and glutathione, and hydrolyzed proteins).

The terms “mammals” and “mammalian” refer to animals of the class mammalian that nourish their young by fluid secreted from mammary glands of the mother, including human beings. The class “mammalian” includes placental animals, marsupial animals, and monotrematal animals.

The term “control” refers to subjects or samples which provide a basis for comparison for experimental subjects or samples. For instance, the use of control subjects or samples permits determinations to be made regarding the efficacy of experimental procedures. In some embodiments, the term “control subject” refers to animals, which receive a mock treatment (e.g., inactivated flu virus lacking anti-Gal epitopes).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of microbial vaccines in general and influenza virus vaccines in particular. In particular the present invention provides compositions and methods for induction of a potent immune response by targeting a microbial antigen of interest to antigen presenting cells (APC) of a recipient. As described herein, this targeting is achieved by exploiting the natural anti-Gal antibody, which is the most abundant natural antibody in humans constituting ˜1% of immunoglobulins. This antibody interacts specifically with the carbohydrate epitope called the α-gal epitope with the structure Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R, or Galα1-3Galβ1-3GlcNAc-R. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of propagating vaccine flu virus in bird, human, ape or Old World monkey cells (e.g., Vero cells) that are engineered to synthesize α-gal epitopes by stable transfection of the cells with the α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) gene and selection for cells that have high activity of this gene. The present invention also provides methods of administering flu virus expressing α-gal epitopes (flu_(αgal)) to a subject having anti-Gal antibodies, which results in effective anti-Gal targeting of the flu virus to APC. In further embodiments, the present invention provides immunogens comprising a fusion between an N-linked glycoprotein (e.g., influenza virus hemagglutinin) and a polypeptide antigen of interest (e.g., microbial peptide or protein), and enzymatic processing of the fusion protein to carry α-gal epitopes. In one embodiment, the immunogen comprises of a fusion protein between influenza virus hemagglutinin and the influenza virus peptide M2e, and enzymatic processing of this fusion protein to carry α-gal epitopes, in order to elicit humoral immune responses in subjects having anti-Gal antibodies. In one embodiment, the immunogen comprises of a fusion protein between influenza virus hemagglutinin and the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP), and enzymatic processing of this fusion protein to carry α-gal epitopes, in order to elicit a cellular immune response in subjects having anti-Gal antibodies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described herein, the present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the immunogenicity of inactivated flu virus immunogens (also referred to as subunit flu vaccines) through the production of influenza virus expressing α-gal epitopes in a cell line (e.g., Vero cell line) engineered to express high levels of the glycosylation enzyme α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT). This ensures effective anti-Gal mediated targeting of influenza virus to antigen presenting cells (APC) of a vaccine recipient. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for using influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) as a platform for targeting protein antigens of interest (e.g., M2e and NP) to APC. In exemplary embodiments, this is achieved by production of recombinant fusion proteins between HA and M2e (HA-M2e) and between HA and NP (HA-NP), and by synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the HA portion of these fusion proteins. The α-gal epitopes on the HA portion of these recombinant proteins bind anti-Gal, which effectively targets these immunogens to APC resulting in the induction of potent immune responses to HA and M2e or HA and NP in subjects having endogenous anti-Gal antibodies.

I. Targeting Antigens to Antigen Presenting Cells (APC)

In general, a prerequisite for efficacy of a flu vaccine is the effective uptake of inactivated flu virus at the inoculation site by APC (e.g., dendritic cells and macrophages). In general, this prerequisite applies to influenza virus subunit vaccines comprising HA and NA, as well as other types of recombinant protein vaccines. APC internalizing the subunit vaccine transport it from the vaccination site to draining lymph nodes, where they present the immunogenic viral peptides on cell surface MHC class I and class II molecules for the activation of virus specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells respectively (Zinkernagel et al., Immunol Rev 156:1.1997). Activated CD4+ T cells are essential as helper T cells (Th cells) for providing help to virus specific B cells for the production of anti-viral antibodies. The Th cells further provide help to CD8+ T cells to become CTL that specifically destroy flu virus infected cells. Since currently used flu vaccines lack markers that identify them for uptake by APC at the vaccination site, the uptake of these subunit vaccines by APC is suboptimal as it is primarily mediated by random pynocytosis.

One of the most effective methods for active in situ targeting of vaccines to APC is by formation of immune complexes with the corresponding IgG molecules (e.g., opsonization). This targeting occurs because APC (including dendritic cells, Langerhans cells of the skin and macrophages) all express FcγR for the Fc portion of the antigen bound IgG antibody (Unkeless, J Clin Inves 83:355, 1989; and Clynes et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95:652, 1998). This interaction between the Fc portion of the opsonizing antibodies and FcγR on APC is considered the most effective mechanism by which APC identify and internalize antigens for induction of a robust immune response (Regnault et al. J Exp Med 189:371, 1999). Accordingly, administration of vaccinating antigens in the form of immune complexes was found to increase immunogenicity by 10-1000 fold, with tetanus toxoid (Manca et al., J Exp Med 173:37, 1991), hepatitis B antigen (Celis and Chang, Science 224:297, 1984), Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (Houston et al., J Infect Dis 135:600, 1977) and simian immunodeficiency virus (Villinger et al., J Virol 77:10, 2003). The present invention exploits the natural anti-Gal antibody for targeting of flu vaccines to APC of humans, apes, Old World primates and birds, thereby increasing their efficacy in eliciting both specific and cross-protective immune responses.

II. Anti-Gal Mediated Targeting of Antigens to APC

Anti-Gal is a unique natural antibody that is the most abundant antibody in humans constituting ˜1% of serum IgG (20-100 μg/ml) (Galili et al., J Exp Med 160:1519, 1984). This antibody interacts specifically with the α-gal epitope (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R or Galα1-3Galβ1-3GlcNAc-R) on glycolipids and glycoproteins (Galili, Springer Semin Immunopathol 15:155, 1993). Anti-Gal is produced throughout life as a result of antigenic stimulation by bacteria of the gastrointestinal flora (Galili et al., Infect Immun 56:1730, 1988). The α-gal epitope is absent in humans, but is synthesized by the glycosylation enzyme α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) in very large amounts in cells of non-primate mammals, prosimians and in New World monkeys (Galili et al., J Biol Chem. 263:17755, 1988). The α1,3GT gene was inactivated in ancestral Old World primates. Thus, humans, apes, and Old World monkeys all lack α-gal epitopes, but produce the anti-Gal antibody in large amounts (Galili, supra, 1993). Anti-Gal binds avidly in vivo to α-gal epitopes introduced into humans, or Old World monkeys. This is particularly evident in xenotransplantation, where the in vivo binding of anti-Gal to α-gal epitopes on transplanted pig heart or kidney is the main cause for the rapid rejection of such grafts in humans and in Old World monkeys (Galili, Immunol Today 14:480, 1993; and Collins et al., J Immunol 154:5500, 1995). This in situ interaction of anti-Gal with α-gal epitopes can be exploited for targeting viral envelope glycoproteins to APC. In fact, anti-Gal is the only antibody in humans that can serve for the purpose of targeting antigens to APC, because it is the only natural antibody known to be produced ubiquitously in large amounts in all humans (Galili, supra, 1993). Thus, any particulate or soluble antigen that has α-gal epitopes will form immune complexes with anti-Gal and will be targeted for effective uptake by APC (Galili, Immunol Cell Biol 83:674, 2005).

The immunogenicity of recombinant viral proteins expressing α-gal epitopes is assessed in an experimental animal model, the α1,3GT knockout mouse (KO mouse). Previously, the immunogenicity of a recombinant gp120 protein of the human immunodeficiency virus envelope was observed to increase upon treatment of the recombinant protein with neuraminidase and α1,3GT in vitro to yield an envelope glycoprotein bearing α-gal epitopes (Abdel-Motal et al., J Virol 80: 6943, 2006). In particular, a greater than 100 fold higher humoral and cellular immune responses were induced by immunization with a gp120 immunogen bearing α-gal epitopes, in comparison with a gp120 immunogen lacking these epitopes (Abdel-Motal et al., supra, 2006). This increased immunogenicity is thought to be achieved through the in vivo formation of immune complexes between anti-Gal and gp120 bearing α-gal epitopes (gp120_(αgal)) that are targeted to APC at the inoculation site. These APC transport the internalized envelope glycoprotein to the draining lymph nodes where they present the immunogenic peptides on both MHC class I and class II molecules for the effective activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. As described in more detailed herein, the present invention provides immunogens comprising an inactivated flu virus, a recombinant HA-M2e fusion protein and/or a recombinant HA-NP to target flu antigens to APC through formation of immune complexes with the natural anti-Gal antibody.

III. Preparation of Vero_(αGT) Cells for Propagation of Flu_(αGal) Virus

The preparation of flu vaccine differs from most other vaccines in clinical use, in that there is a time constraint of only six months from identification of the seasonal HA and NA sequences to vaccine delivery. In the event of a future pandemic outbreak of avian flu virus in human populations, this urgency is even greater because of the lethal outcome of this infection. Thus, the amount of flu vaccine prepared in such a short time period is limited.

Immunogenicity of vaccines can be maximized by targeting them effectively to APC, in order to enable their transport to lymph nodes, for processing and presentation of peptide epitopes for activation of T cells. Protection afforded by flu vaccines can be greatly increased if they also include a component for induction of a broad cross-protective immune response against conserved viral antigens such as the M2e peptide of the flu M2 protein, and the flu nucleoprotein (NP). As described herein the present invention exploits the existence of natural anti-Gal antibody in human, apes, Old World monkeys and birds, for targeting of the inactivated virus immunogen to APC. For anti-Gal mediated targeting the flu virus immunogen should express multiple α-gal epitopes (flu_(αgal)). Injection of inactivated flu_(αgal) in adjuvant results in the in situ binding of natural anti-Gal antibody to the α-gal epitopes on the vaccine virus (e.g., opsonization) and targeting of the vaccine to APC as illustrated in FIG. 1. The Fc portion of the opsonizing anti-Gal antibody binds to Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on APC, thereby inducing effective uptake of the flu virus by APC and the subsequent transport of the internalized virus by the APC to the draining lymph nodes. The flu virus internalized by the APC is further processed for presentation of flu virus peptides for the activation of flu virus specific T cells, thus, inducing an anti-flu cellular immune response. Similarly anti-Gal mediated targeting can be achieved with HA-M2e and HA-NP upon processing of these fusion proteins to bear α-gal epitopes on the HA component. A process for achieving expression of α-gal epitopes on flu virus by in vitro incubation with recombinant α1,3GT and with UDP-Gal has been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,675 and 6,361,775 to Galili et al., herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. These processes of the prior art complicate the preparation of currently used flu vaccines since they require additional steps, including incubation of the flu virus with recombinant α1,3GT and with UDP-Gal and subsequent removal of α1,3GT and of UDP-Gal from the final vaccine preparation.

Recently, much research has been directed toward the use of African green monkey kidney cells (e.g., Vero cell line available as ATCC No. CCL-81) for propagation of 6+2 re-assorted flu virus by reverse genetics, for use in vaccine preparations (Govorkova et al., J Virol 70: 5519, 1996). The interest in propagation of flu virus for vaccine purposes in Vero cells, rather than in the traditional embryonated chicken egg systems, is due in large part to the difficulties in obtaining sufficient numbers of embryonated chicken eggs and to the tendency of flu virus HA to mutate for adaptation of growth in eggs. Thus, the World Health Organization has recommended using the Veto cell line for future production of flu virus immunogens. The flu virus currently used for vaccine preparation lacks α-gal epitopes because it is produced in embryonated chicken eggs lacking this epitope, since birds lack the α1,3GT enzyme (Galili et al., J Biol Chem 263:17755, 1988). Vero cells, planned for future propagation of vaccinating flu virus, also lack α1,3GT, since like all Old World monkeys, African green monkeys also lack an active α1,3GT enzyme (Galili supra, 1988).

Previously it has been shown that when Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) is propagated in the mouse 3T3 fibroblast cell line then the α-gal epitope is synthesized within the host cell on the EEEV envelope glycoprotein. In contrast, propagation of EEEV in Vero cells results in the production of an EEEV envelope glycoprotein lacking α-gal epitopes (Repik et al., J Gen Virol, 75:1177, 1994). These differences are associated with the production of the α1,3GT enzyme within mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and the absence of the α1,3GT in Vero cells, since the host cell glycosylation machinery synthesizes carbohydrate chains on viral glycoproteins.

The present invention circumvents the problems associated with the production of a suboptimal flu virus immunogen in cells (e.g., Vero cells) by providing compositions and methods for production of flu_(αgal) without the need for in vitro incubation with α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. For example, this is achieved by propagation of the virus in transgenic Vero cells (or other suitable human, ape or Old World monkey cell line) engineered to express an active α1,3GT enzyme. In some preferred embodiments, cells (e.g., Vero cells) are converted into cells that effectively synthesize α-gal epitopes on glycoproteins by heterologous expression of a functional α1,3GT gene (e.g., of a New World monkey or a non-primate mammal).

The following description uses Veto cells as an example. However, other non-tumorigenic cells lacking microbial contaminants (e.g., reverse transcript negative) could also be employed. Briefly to generate transgenic Veto cells with high α1,3GT activity (referred to as Vero_(αGT) cells) for effective synthesis of α-gal epitopes on virus glycoproteins in the Golgi apparatus, the competition from sialyltransferase must be minimized. The final stages in synthesis of carbohydrate chains on glycoproteins and glycolipids take place within the Golgi apparatus, by enzymes called collectively glycosyltransferases. α1,3Galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) and sialyltransferase are two glycosyltransferases that compete with each other within the Golgi apparatus. Specifically these enzymes compete for capping carbohydrate chains with terminal N-acetyllactosamine carbohydrate chains (Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) (See, center carbohydrate chain in FIG. 2) by galactose (Gal), to generate α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) (See, right carbohydrate chain in FIG. 2), or capping by sialic acid (SA) to generate sialylated carbohydrate chains (SA2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) (See, left carbohydrate chain in FIG. 2), respectively (Smith et al., J Biol Chem 265: 6225, 1990). Vero_(αGT) cells may be produced in two steps:

1) isolation of Vero cells with low sialyltransferase activity in order to minimize capping of carbohydrate chains by SA thereby increasing their accessibility to α1,3GT within the Golgi apparatus; and

2) stable transfection of Vero cells with low sialyltransferase activity with at least one active α1,3GT gene and selection of clones with high α1,3GT activity to maximize capping of carbohydrate chains by of α1,3GT within the Golgi apparatus.

Vero cells with minimal sialyltransferase activity are selected by sorting of cells that bind a fluoresceinated lectin. This lectin (e.g., Datura starmonium lectin) binds specifically to N-acetyllactosaminc carbohydrate chains (Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R). The sorting may be performed within a cell sorter after cells are incubated with the lectin at decreasing concentrations (of the lectin). The cells binding the lectin at its lowest concentration are those with the highest number of N-acetyllactosamines that are not capped by SA (e.g., cells with the least sialyltransferase activity). These cells are isolated, expanded by incubation in tissue culture medium and transfected (e.g., electroporation) with a α1,3GT expression vector containing an antibiotic resistance gene (e.g., neomycin resistance) for a selection purposes. The transfected cells are grown in presence of a selection agent substance (e.g., G418) to obtain stable transfectants (e.g., transgenic Vero cells containing the α1,3GT gene within their genome. The α1,3GT gene can be any gene encoding an enzyme that synthesizes α-gal epitopes (e.g., any non-primate mammalian species). Non-limiting examples of suitable α1,3GT genes include but are not limited to the mouse α1,3GT coding region (GENBANK Accession No. NM_010283) and the pig α1,3GT coding region (GENBANK Accession No. NM_213810). Cells expressing α-gal epitopes are cloned by immunostaining with decreasing concentrations of fluoresceinated Bandeiraea similicifolia lectin (BS lectin specific for α-gal epitopes) and sorting of cells binding the lectin at the lowest concentration. Other suitable methods for selecting cells expressing α-gal epitopes include the immunostaining of cells with decreasing concentrations of a fluoresceinated anti-Gal antibody and sorting of cells binding the antibody at the lowest concentration. In some embodiments, the transgenic Vetro cells engineered to express a first heterologous α1,3GT gene are subjected to a second round of transfection with a second expression vector containing the α1,3GT gene and a second selection marker (e.g., hygromycin resistance) and the subsequent growth of the transfected cells in the presence of a second selection agent (e.g., hygromycin). The second selection agent and selection marker can be any selection agent and selection marker that is different from first selection agent and first selection marker employed in the first round of transfection and selection. This transfection and selection process can be repeated one or more times, with each selection increasing the number of copies of heterologous, functional α1,3GT gene in the transfected cells. In certain embodiments, the selected cells expressing α-gal epitopes (Vero_(αGT) cells) are grown as individual clones and the clones with the highest expression of α-gal epitopes are further expanded.

The Vero_(αGT) cells are suitable for propagation of flu_(αgal) virus, since the hemagglutinin molecules of flu virus propagated in these cells are subjected to high α1,3GT activity and low sialyltransferase activity in the Golgi apparatus of the transgenic Vero_(αGT) cells. In certain embodiments, the flu_(αgal) virus produced in Vero_(αGT) cells undergoes the same vaccine preparation steps as that currently used for flu virus production in non-transgenic Vero cells (Govorkova et al., J Virol, 70: 5519, 1996). In an exemplary embodiment, the flu virus used to inoculate the Vero_(αGT) cells is a 6+2 re-assortment containing hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from a vaccine target strain and the remaining genes from A/Puerto Rico/8/34-H1N1 (PR8). In some embodiments, the vaccine target strain is an influenza A virus such as A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) or A/Hiroshima/52/2005 (H3N2), or an influenza B virus such as B/Malaysia/2506/2004 or B/Ohio/1/2005. Other suitable vaccine target strains are listed in the influenza sequence database accessible through the Los Alamos National Laboratory flu web site (Macken et al., “The value of a database in surveillance and vaccine selection.” in Options For The Control Of Influenza IV, Osterhaus et al., (Eds.) Amsterdam: Elsevier Science, pp. 103-106, 2001). Evaluation of α-gal epitope expression on flu virus propagated in Vero_(αGT) cells can be accomplished using the methods of experimental example 1 and as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

Since birds lack α-gal epitopes (Galili et al., J Biol Chem 263:17755, 1988) and naturally produce anti-Gal (Cotter et al., Poult Sci 85:435, 2006: and McKenzie et al., Transplantation 67:864, 1999), efficient anti-Gal mediated targeting of flu_(αgal) virus produced in Vero_(αGT) cells to APC of avian vaccine recipients is also contemplated to occur. Thus, the flu_(αgal) virus produced using the methods of the present invention is contemplated to be suitable vaccine for delivery to birds (e.g., including but not limited to chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese). Immunization of bird flocks with H5N1 flu_(αgal) virus (vaccine target strain such as A/Bar headed goose/Qinghai/1A/2005 or A/Whooping swan/Mongolia/244/2005) is contemplated to reduce circulation of avian influenza viruses in bird populations, which in turn is contemplated to reduce the spread of avian influenza viruses to humans.

IV. Hemagglutinin Expressing α-Gal Epitopes (HA_(αgal)) as a Vaccine Platform

As described herein the present invention also provides compositions and methods for production of fusion proteins comprising an HA component bearing α-gal epitopes (HA_(αgal)) and a non-HA component (e.g., microbial protein or polypeptide antigen of interest) to increase opsonization of the non-HA component thereby increasing the immunogenicity of the non-HA component. In some preferred embodiments, the fusion protein comprises an HA component bearing α-gal epitopes (HA_(αgal)) as a platform for anti-Gal mediated targeting to APC of one or both of the M2e peptide of the conserved flu virus matrix protein 2 (M2) peptide and the conserved flu virus nucleoprotein (NP). The HA_(αgal)-M2e and HA_(αgal)-NP fusion proteins are contemplated to be suitable for achieving a broad cross protective immune response against various influenza virus strains. In an exemplary embodiment, HA of avian influenza virus H5N1 is employed (influenza A virus A/Vietnam/CL2009/2005, GENBANK Accession No. DQ497729.1). Other suitable HA sequences are listed in the influenza sequence database accessible through the Los Alamos National Laboratory flu web site (Macken et al., “The value of a database in surveillance and vaccine selection.” in Options For The Control Of Influenza IV. Osterhaus et al., (Eds.) Amsterdam: Elsevier Science, pp. 103-106, 2001).

The high mutation rate in HA reduces its suitability for use as vaccine for induction of broad protection against multiple flu virus strains. In contrast, the viral proteins M2 and NP are highly conserved as they undergo very low rates of mutation (Flynn et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:8597, 1999: and Webster, Vaccine 18:1686, 2000). The M2 protein is abundant in the cell membrane of flu virus infected cells, but comprises <2% of proteins on the virus envelope (Mozdzanowska et al., Vaccine 21: 2616, 2003). Anti-M2e antibodies can target the outer region of M2 (23 amino acid ectodomain called M2e) expressed on the surface of flu virus-infected cells. These antibodies can mediate destruction of virus-infected cells through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Similarly, effective induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) reactive with NP peptides presented on MHC class I molecules of flu virus-infected cells can mediate the killing of flu virus-infected cells. Effective anti-M2e antibody responses and anti-NP CTL responses are contemplated to contribute significantly to prevention of viral spread in the infected individual by these two mechanisms of antibody-mediated, or cell-mediated destruction of flu virus infected cells.

Previously, immunogenicity of recombinant M2e and NP was found to be very low (Mozdzanowska et al., Vaccine 21: 2616, 2003: and Zhang et al., Mol Immunol 43: 2195, 2006). This low immunogenicity is associated with suboptimal uptake of M2e and NP molecules by APC at the inoculation site. As described herein the present invention provides methods and compositions for induction of potent antibody responses against flu virus-infected cells expressing the M2e peptide and/or CTL responses against flu virus-infected cells presenting NP peptides in the context of MHC class I molecules. In some embodiments this is accomplished by generating recombinant fusion proteins between HA and M2e and between HA and NP, synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the multiple carbohydrate chains of the HA component, and the use of the HA_(αgal) component of the fusion protein as a platform for anti-Gal mediated targeting of M2e and/or NP to APC. In immunogens containing a HA_(αgal) component, endogenous anti-Gal antibodies of a recipient bind to α-gal epitopes on the HA component to target the M2e and/or NP components of the fusion proteins to APC.

A process for achieving expression of α-gal epitopes on flu virus by in vitro incubation with recombinant α1,3GT and with UDP-Gal has been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,675 and 6,361,775 to Galili et al., herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, the prior art patents did not disclose the use of HA_(αgal) as platform for targeting other microbial antigens to APC. In exemplary embodiments, HA is fused to M2e or NP to generate recombinant fusion proteins HA-M2e or HA-NP, as shown in FIGS. 8A-C and FIGS. 9A-C. The HA-M2e and HA-NP fusion proteins are subsequently incubated with neuraminidase from Vibrio cholera and recombinant α1,3GT and with UDP-Gal to produce fusion proteins bearing α-gal epitopes on the amino-terminal HA component. Examples of HA-M2e and HA-NP production are included herein as Examples 6 and 7 respectively. The α-gal epitopes of the HA component are bound by anti-Gal of the recipient for targeting of the fusion proteins to APC, thereby increasing the immunogenicity of M2e and NP for eliciting a broad cross-protective immune response against infectious flu virus (See, illustration in FIG. 1).

HA of flu virus has at least 6 asparagine (N)-linked carbohydrate chains, which when produced in CHO cells have the structure identical to the left-most carbohydrate chain in FIG. 2. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,675 and 6,361,775 to Galili et al., the carbohydrate chains of flu HA can be engineered to express α-gal epitopes according to the reaction in FIG. 2 by removal of sialic acid (SA) on the carbohydrate chain by neuraminidase (left chain in FIG. 2 converted into the middle chain), and by α-gal epitope synthesis on that carbohydrate chain by recombinant α1,3GT and UDP-Gal (middle chain in FIG. 2 converted to the right chain). As described herein, the present invention provides compositions and methods for fusion of HA with M2e to generate a HA-M2e fusion gene, or for fusion of HA with NP to generate a HA-NP fusion gene. Expression vectors comprising the fusion genes in operable combination with a promoter are used to produce HA-M2e or HA-NP in mammalian cells (e.g., wild type CHO cells). Synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the carbohydrate chains of HA-M2e or NA-NP is achieved by treatment of the fusion proteins with a combination ofneuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal to generate HA_(αgal)-M2e, or NA_(αgal)-NP in which the HA portion carries multiple CL-gal epitopes. Immunization of subjects (e.g., humans) having endogenous anti-Gal with HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP results in the formation of immune complexes at the vaccination site and effective targeting of these fusion proteins to APC. Thus the immunogenicity of M2e and NP is contemplated to be increased by expression as a HA fusion proteins, even though the M2e and NP portions of the fusion proteins lack α-gal epitopes. The production of the HA-M2e and HA-NP expression vectors is not limited to the disclosure of Examples 6 and 7 and FIGS. 8A-C and FIGS. 9A-C, since other standard molecular biology techniques can be used for this purpose. Production of the recombinant fusion proteins in mammalian cells such as CHO cells, or in transgenic mammals (e.g., production in mammary gland cells and secretion in milk) is performed according to standard methods known to those skilled in the art. The synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the N-linked carbohydrate chains of the HA components of the HA-M2e and HA-NP fusion proteins is performed as shown in FIG. 2. The three types of vaccines flu_(αgal), HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP, may be used individually, or in combinations of two or all three, for eliciting an anti-flu virus immune response that is contemplated to be protective (e.g., reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with flu virus invention).

Since birds lack α-gal epitopes (Galili et al., J Biol Chem 263:17755, 1988) and naturally produce anti-Gal (Cotter et al., Poult Sci 85:435, 2006; and McKenzie et al., Transplantation 67:864, 1999), efficient anti-Gal mediated targeting of HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP to APC of avian vaccine recipients is also contemplated to occur. Thus, the HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP fusion proteins produced using the methods of the present invention are contemplated to be suitable vaccine for delivery to birds (e.g., including but not limited to chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese). Immunization of bird flocks with H5-based HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP fusion proteins is contemplated to reduce circulation of avian influenza viruses in bird populations, which in turn is contemplated to reduce the spread of avian influenza viruses to humans.

In further embodiments, synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the carbohydrate chains of HA-M2e or HA-NP is achieved by expression in host cells lacking the ability to add sialic acid caps to glycoproteins but having the ability to synthesize α-gal epitopes. Briefly, expression vectors comprising the fusion genes in operable combination with a promoter are transfected into host cells of a non-primate mammal having a defect in the cellular machinery required for sialic acid capping of carbohydrates to produce HA_(αgal)-M2e, or NA_(αgal)-NP without having to treat the recombinant fusion proteins in vitro with a combination of neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. In some embodiments, the cells defective in the ability to add sialic acid caps are LEC29. Lec32 cells obtained from a mutagenized population of CHO cells following selection with wheat germ agglutinin as previously described (Potvin et al., J Biol Chem, 270:30415-30421, 1995). In alternative embodiments, the cells defective in the ability to add sialic acid caps are other mutant cells of the prior art (Potvin et al., supra, 1995).

In still further embodiments, synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the carbohydrate chains of HA-M2e or HA-NP is achieved by expression in transgenic host cells having the ability to remove sialic acid caps from nascent glycoproteins, as well as the ability to synthesize α-gal epitopes. Briefly expression vectors comprising the fusion genes in operable combination with a promoter are transfected into transgenic host cells of a non-primate mammal comprising an expression vector comprising a flu neuraminidase gene in operable combination with a promoter to produce HA_(αgal)-M2e, or NA_(αgal)-NP, without having to treat the recombinant fusion proteins in vitro with a combination of neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. In some embodiments, the transgenic host cells are MDCK cells (ATCC No. CCL-34) or NIH/3T3 cells (ATCC No. CCL-1658) engineered to express a flu neuraminidase gene. In further embodiments, the transgenic host cells lack endogenous α1,3GT activity, such as Vero cells (ATCC No. CCL-81) or CHO cells, and are therefore transfected with one or more expression vectors comprising a flu neuraminidase gene and a functional α1,3GT gone. Production of HA_(αgal)-M2e, or NA_(αgal)-NP in such transgenic cells is achieved without having to treat the recombinant fusion proteins in vitro with a combination of neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. In some particularly preferred embodiments, a single expression vector drives expression of the heterologous neuraminidase and α1,3GT genes from a single promoter by separation of the genes with an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES).

The previous description uses HA as an exemplary glycoprotein carnier. However, other proteins comprising one or more N-linked glycosylation sites may be employed as the amino-terminal component of an immunogenic fusion protein. Other suitable glycoprotein carriers include but are not limited to HIV gp120 (Abdel-Motal et al., J Virol. 80:6943-6951), human hepatitis B surface antigen, and human alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), and human laminin. In still further embodiments, an artificial polypoptide (GGGNGSGGGNGTGGGNGSGGGNGTGGG set forth as SEQ ID NO: 12) comprising multiple (e.g., 4) N-linked glycosylation sites is utilized as a glycoprotein carrier. In preferred embodiments, the glycoprotein carrier comprises at least two and more preferably from two to ten (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten) N-linked glycosylation sites defined as N—X—S/T, wherein N is asparagine, X is any amino acid except proline, S is serine and T is threonine.

The artificial polypeptide can be recombinantly produced by expression behind a leader sequence and in front of microbial polypeptide of interest. Alternatively, the artificial polypeptide can be produced synthetically, chemically conjugated to a microbial polypeptide of interest, and treated with neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal in vitro to produce an immunogen bearing α-gal epitopes. Similarly, the artificial polypeptide-microbial polypeptide fusion can be produced synthetically and treated with neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal in vitro to produce an immunogen bearing α-gal epitopes. Likewise, a microbial polypeptide such as M2e (SEQ ID NO:10) can be produced synthetically, chemically conjugated to a purified glycoprotein such as AGP (Tanemura et al., Transplantation, 73:1859-1868, 2002), and treated with neuraminidase, α1,3GT and UDP-Gal in vitro to produce an immunogen bearing α-gal epitopes. In still further embodiments, other types of N-linked carriers are employed. For instance, α-gal epitopes can be synthesized on backbones such as gas914 and polyethylene glycol (Zhong et al., Transplantation. 75:10-19, 2003; and Diamond et al., Transplantation, 73:1780-1787, 2002), which subsequently can be chemically conjugated to a microbial polypeptide of interest.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following examples are provided in order to demonstrate and further illustrate certain preferred embodiments and aspects of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

In the experimental disclosure which follows, the following abbreviations apply: kDa (kilodalton); rec. (recombinant); N (normal); M (molar); mM (millimolar); μM (micromolar); mol (moles); mmol (millimoles); μmol (micromoles); nmol (nanomoles); pmol (picomoles); g (grams); mg (milligrams); μg (micrograms); ng (nanograms); I or L (liters); ml (milliliters); μl (microliters); cm (centimeters); mm (millimeters); μm (micrometers); nm (nanometers); C (degrees Centigrade); ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay); mAb (monoclonal antibody); APC (antigen presenting cell); CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte); DC (dendritic cells); flu (influenza); HA (hemagglutinin); hemagglutination units (HAU); NA (neuraminidase); NP (nucleoprotein); PR8 (A/Puerto Rico/8/34-H1N1); Th (helper T); and IFNγ (interferon-γ).

Example 1 In Vitro Synthesis of α-Gal Epitopes to Produce PR8_(αgal)

This example describes the synthesis of α-gal epitopes in the experimental flu virus strain A/Puerto Rico/8/34-H1N1 (PR8). This example is also applicable to the synthesis of α-gal epitopes on the fusion proteins HA-M2e and HA-NP to generate fusion proteins HA_(αgal)-M2e and/or HA_(αgal)-NP, which are contemplated to induce broad cross-protective immune responses against flu virus infection when used in vaccine formulations.

The PR8 virus produced in embryonated eggs was incubated with 30 μl/ml of recombinant (rec.) α1,3GT and 0.1 mM UDP-Gal (uridine diphosphate-galactose) as a sugar donor. The enzyme transfers the galactose from UDP-Gal and links it in a Galα1-3 linkage to the N-acetyllactosamines (Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R) of the multiple HA carbohydrate chains to generate α-gal epitopes, in a reaction that is identical to that naturally occurring within the Golgi apparatus of non-primate mammalian cells (middle chain to right chain in FIG. 2).

The de-novo synthesized α-gal epitopes on PR8 could be detected by Western blot (FIG. 3A) with mouse serum anti-Gal and with the anti-Gal mAb called M86 (Galili et al., Transplantation 65: 1129, 1998), and by ELISA with monoclonal anti-Gal (FIG. 3B). Separation of PR8 proteins by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions demonstrates the distinct band of HA1 (˜60 kDa) and a much weaker band of HA2 (˜27 kDa), as well as other viral proteins in the range of 20-40 kDa. Blotting of the proteins followed by staining with mouse serum anti-Gal, or with the anti-Gal mAb M86 demonstrated the distinct staining of the HA1 band in the PR8_(αgal) but not of the band of this size in the unprocessed PR8 virus sample (FIG. 3A). The binding of these antibodies is highly specific and was not observed with other proteins of the PR8_(αgal) virus or with any of the proteins of PR8 virus. These findings indicate that the synthesis of α-gal epitopes by rec. α1,3GT occurs primarily on the carbohydrate chains of HA1.

Additionally, expression of α-gal epitopes on PR8_(αgal) was demonstrated on the intact virus as determined by ELISA with the anti-Gal mAb M86 and intact viruses as solid phase antigens. As shown in FIG. 3B, M86 bound to PR8_(αgal) as a solid phase antigen in ELISA wells, but not to unprocessed PR8 virus or to PR8 virus incubated with heat-inactivated (e.g., boiled) rec. α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. The findings in FIG. 3 indicate that α-gal epitopes are readily synthesized on the multiple carbohydrate chains of HA of the intact virus. In a similar fashion, synthesis of α-gal epitopes can be achieved on glycoproteins of other microbial pathogens, as well as fusion proteins comprising a glycoprotein component (e.g., HA-M2e or HA-NP to generate HA_(αgal)-M2e or HA_(αgal)-NP).

Example 2 ELISPOT Analysis of T Cell Responses in Mice Immunized with PR8_(αgal) or PR8

The T cell response to flu virus antigens following vaccination with PR8_(αgal) virus in comparison to vaccination with PR8 virus was studied in the experimental animal model, the α1,3GT knockout mice (KO mice) in which the exon containing the catalytic domain of the enzyme was disrupted by insertion of a neomycin resistance gene (Thall et al., J Biol Chem 270:21437, 1995). The KO mice effectively produce anti-Gal after 3-4 immunizations with pig kidney membrane (PKM) homogenates. The characteristics of this anti-Gal are very similar to those of human anti-Gal (Abdel-Motal et al., J Virol. 80: 6943, 2006). KO mice producing anti-Gal were immunized twice in bi-weekly intervals with 1 μg inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus or with inactivated PR8 virus. The inactivation was achieved by incubation of the viruses for 45 min at 64° C., and confirmed by demonstration of a complete loss of chicken red blood cell (ChRBC) hemagglutinating activity. The inactivated virus was injected subcutaneously in Ribi (trehalose dicorynomycolate) adjuvant.

The mice were studied for anti-PR8 immune response 4 weeks after the second immunization. PR8-specific T cells were detected in the spleens of the immunized mice by ELISPOT assays, which measured secretion of interferon-γ (IFNγ) following stimulation in vitro by PR8 antigens presented on dendritic cells (DC). Briefly, KO mouse DC were incubated for 24 h with inactivated PR8, then co-incubated for an additional 24 h with spleen lymphocytes from the mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) or PR8 virus. PR8-specific T cells stimulated by DC presenting immunogenic PR8 peptides, secrete IFNγ, which binds to the anti-IFNγ antibody coating the bottom of the ELISPOT well at the secretion site. After washing the wells, the site of the secreting T cell is detected as a spot by alkaline phosphatase coupled anti-IFNγ antibody. The number of T cells that secrete IFNγ in the absence of stimulatory PR8 did not exceed 50 per 10 lymphocytes in any of the mice tested (open columns in FIG. 4). In mice immunized twice with the inactivated unprocessed PR8 virus (mice #7-12), the number of activated virus specific T cells ranged between 400 and 700 per 10⁶ lymphocytes, with an average±standard deviation of 510±103 spots/10⁶ cells. The number of PR8 specific T cells in 4 of the 6 mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) (mice #1-4) was several fold higher and ranged between 1650 and 2510 per 10⁶ lymphocytes. In the remaining two mice the number of these T cells was 750 and 1200 per 10^(h 6) lymphocytes. The average±standard deviation of the ELISPOT values in the mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) was 1800±760. These studies indicate that flu_(αgal) virus is much more immunogenic than flu virus lacking α-gal epitopes. This is because anti-Gal binding to the α-gal epitopes on the vaccinating virus enhances viral opsonization (e.g., targeting the vaccinating virus for effective uptake by APC). Nonetheless, knowledge of the mechanism(s) involved is not required in order to make and use the present invention.

Example 3 Increased PR8 Specific CD8+ and CD4+ T Cell Responses Following PR8_(αGal) Immunization as Measured by Intracellular Cytokine Staining (ICS)

In order to determine whether the virus specific T cells in mice immunized with PR8 or PR8_(αgal) include both CD8+ T cells (CTL precursors) and CD4+ T cells (Th1 cells) intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) methods were employed. Briefly, the ICS methods utilized involved the detection of IFNγ production in activated T cells that were also stained with CD8 or CD4 specific antibodies. The spleen lymphocytes from immunized mice were co-incubated for 24 h with DC that process PR8 proteins (due to pulsing with PR8) as in the ELISPOT assays above. However, cytokine secretion was prevented by treatment with brefeldin. Subsequently, the cells were washed, permeabilized and stained for intracellular IFNγ using a labeled anti-IFNγ antibody and an anti-CD8 or an anti-CD4 antibody. As shown in FIG. 5A, only 2.6-4.4% of CD8+ T cells from PR8 immunized mice were primed by PR8 pulsed DC and thus were only marginally activated. In contrast, in 4 mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) (#1-#4), as many as 19.5-23.3% of CD8+ T cells were activated by PR8 pulsed DC. The two mice (#5 and #6) that displayed low ELISPOT values as described in the previous example, also displayed low ICS levels in CD8+ T cells.

The differential response of T cells to the PR8 peptides presented by DC was also observed among the CD4+ T cells. Four of the mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) displayed 12-13.7% activation of CD4+ T cells, whereas no significant activation of such cells was observed among CD4+ T cells from PR8 immunized mice (FIG. 5B). CD4+ cells activated to produce IFNγ represent the PR8 specific Th1 population. The two PR8_(αgal) immunized mice (#5 and #6) with low levels of CD8+ activation, also had low levels of CD4+ activation, indicating that there was no measurably increased anti-virus cellular immune response in these mice as determined by ICS. As in the ELISPOT studies above, the ICS studies indicate that flu_(αgal) virus is much more immunogenic than flu virus lacking α-gal epitopes.

Example 4 Increased Production of Anti-PR8 Antibodies Following PR8_(αGal) Immunization

This example describes the humoral immune response elicited in mice by administration of the α-gal epitope-bearing influenza virus strain, PR8_(αGal).

I. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Anti-Gal liters in mice immunized with pig kidney membrane and the level of production of anti-PR8 antibodies were determined by ELISA as previously described (Abdel-Motal et al., J Virol, 80:6943-6951, 2006). Briefly, ELISA wells were coated with α-Gal BSA (10 μg/ml) or PR8 virus (1 μg/ml) overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed once with PBS and blocked with 1% BSA in PBS. Serum samples at various dilutions (50-μl aliquots) were plated in the wells for 2 h at room temperature. After the plates were washed, HRP-coupled goat anti-mouse IgG or goat anti-mouse IgA was added for 1 h. Color reactions were developed with ortho-phenylene diamine, and absorbance was measured at 492 nm. In assays using the monoclonal anti-Gal antibody M86 (Galili et al., Transplantation, 65:1129-1132, 1998), HRP-anti-mouse IgM was used as a secondary antibody. For antibody analysis within the sera, the first dilution was 1:10, whereas for analysis of the supernatants of lung homogenates, the first dilution was 1:1.

The sera from KO mice immunized with PR8 or PR8_(αgal) were assayed for antibodies to the unprocessed PR8 virus used as solid phase antigen in an ELISA. As shown in FIG. 6A, the anti-PR8 IgG antibody activity in the 6 mice immunized with inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus was much higher than in PR8 immunized mice. The four mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) that showed very high anti-PR8 antibody activity (mice #1-#4) displayed an average of 50% maximum binding (e.g., 1.5 OD) at the serum dilution of 1:102,400. Even in mice #5 and #6, which displayed low levels of CD4+ and CD8+ activation, displayed 50% maximum anti-PR8 IgG activity at serum dilution of 1:12,800 and 1:6,400, respectively. In contrast, in mice immunized with inactivated PR8 virus (e.g., virus lacking α-gal epitopes), the 50% maximum binding was observed in serum dilution of 1:400 (e.g., >200 fold lower than in PR8_(αgal) immunized mice #1-#4).

To determine whether the differences in antibody responses observed in the PR8 or PR8_(αgal) immunized KO mice are associated with anti-Gal, C57BL6 wild type (WT) mice were also immunized with PR8 or PR8_(αgal). The WT mice express α-gal epitopes on their cells and thus, do not produce anti-Gal despite repeated (e.g., 4) immunizations with pig kidney membranes (PKM). As shown in FIG. 6B, no significant differences in anti-PR8 antibody responses were observed between PR8 and PR8_(αgal) immunized WT mice. Thus, in the absence of anti-Gal, the expression of α-gal epitopes on the immunizing virus has no measurable effect on the immunogenicity of the virus.

The differential humoral immune response in KO mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) versus those immunized with PR8 is also evident by analysis of anti-PR8 IgA antibodies in an ELISA employing PR8 virus as a solid phase antigen. The significance of this immunoglobulin class is primarily in mucosal immunity that prevents viral infection of respiratory tract cells. As shown in FIG. 6C, in PR8_(αgal) immunized mice #1-#4 anti-PR8 IgA activity was 50-100 fold higher than observed in the PR8 immunized mice #7-#12. The antibody activity in serum dilution of 1:50 in mice #7-#12 was similar to the activity in serum dilution of 1:3,200 to 1:6,400 of mice #1-#4.

The anti-PR8 antibody studies indicate that flu_(αgal) virus is much more immunogenic than flu virus lacking α-gal epitopes. Thus, immunization with flu_(αgal) virus induces more potent humoral as well as cellular immune responses in recipients possessing anti-Gal antibodies.

II. Hemagglutinin Inhibition (HI) Assay.

One of the distinct antibody activities that protects against infection by the influenza virus is that of antibodies binding to the HA of the infectious virus, indicated by the prevention of subsequent binding of this envelope glycoprotein to target cells for infection. The ability of anti-HA antibodies to inhibit viral agglutination of ChRBC was measured as described previously (Galili et al., Vaccine, 14:321-328, 1996). Briefly, 5 HAU/ml of PR8 virus was plated in 96-well V-bottom plates (Corning). Sera were diluted in PBS containing 0.08% sodium azide. Aliquots of sera at serial twofold dilutions (beginning with a serum dilution of 1:10) were added to the virus and incubated overnight at 4′C. Subsequently, 50 μl of 1% ChRBC suspension was added and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. HA inhibition (HI) titers were determined as the highest serum dilution at which the hemagglutination of ChRBC was inhibited.

The level of HI activity in PR8_(αgal)-immunized KO mice was many times higher than that in PR8-immunized mice. The average HI titer in the former group was 1:135, whereas in the latter group it was 1:15, (nine-fold lower). Two mice (#5 and #6) among the PR8_(αgal) immunized mice displayed a much lower level of HI activity, in agreement with other immune response parameters. On the other hand, the average level of HI activity in the highly responsive mice in that group (#1 to #4) is 1:180, which is 12-fold higher than in the control group immunized with unmodified PR8.

Example 5S Induction of a Protective Immune Response Against Challenge with PR8

Mice were immunized twice with 1 μg of inactivated PR8 or PR8_(αgal) virus in the Ribi adjuvant at a bi-weekly interval. Four weeks after the second immunization the mice were studied for resistance to challenge with 2000 plaque-forming units (PFU) of live PR8 virus in 50 μl administered via the nostrils (e.g., intranasally). Each group included 26 mice. The mice were monitored for mortality every day for 30 days post challenge.

Most mice (85%) immunized with inactivated PR8 virus were not resistant to the intranasal viral challenge and died within 10 days post challenge with the live PR8 virus. As shown in FIG. 7, only 15% of the mice immunized with inactivated PR8 survived 10 days post challenge. In contrast, mice immunized with inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus were much more resistant to the live virus challenge. Only 11% of the mice immunized with inactivated PR8_(αgal) succumbed to the live virus and died, whereas 89% of the mice survived the challenge (FIG. 7). These experiments demonstrate that the heightened immune response induced by immunization of KO mice with inactivated PR8_(αgal) virus is physiologically significant in that it is associated with decreased mortality after a lethal flu virus challenge.

In separate studies, mice immunized with PR8_(αgal) or PR8 were euthanized 3 days post-challenge, and their lungs were harvested and homogenized in PBS to a total volume of 1 ml. The virus titers in supernatants of the homogenate were determined by measuring the tissue culture infectious dose (TCID) in MDCK cell monolayers (e.g., determine highest dilution resulting in cytopathic effect) and the hemagglutination of ChRBC. Incubation of the virus at serial 10-fold dilutions with MDCK cells for 96 h indicated that two of the PR8_(αgal)-immunized mice had TCIDs of 100 and the remaining three mice had TCIDs of 10 (e.g., a dilution of 1:10 was the highest dilution resulting in a cytopathic effect on MDCK cells). In contrast, four of the five PR8-immunized mice had TCIDs of 1,000 and only one had a TCID of 100. The average TCID among the PR8_(αgal)-immunized mice was approximately 18-fold lower than that in PR8-immunized mice. This difference in the presence of live PR8 in the lungs of the PR8-challenged mice was confirmed by analysis of the hemagglutination titers with ChRBC. Incubation of lung homogenate supernatants from PR8_(αgal)-immunized mice with ChRBC resulted in hemagglutination titers (reciprocal of end point dilution displaying agglutination) of 50 for four mice and 100 for one mouse. In contrast, the titer for three of the PRB-immunized mice was 1,000, and for the remaining two mice it was 10,000.

One of the factors preventing virus infection and subsequent virus production in the lung cells of the PR8_(αgal)-immunized mice is likely the anti-PR8 IgA antibody activity in the lungs. The activity of these antibodies was determined with an ELISA with serial twofold dilutions of the supernatants from lung homogenates. The lung homogenates from PR8-immunized mice contained no detectable anti-PR8 IgA antibodies, whereas those from all five PR8_(αgal)-immunized mice had distinct anti-PR8 IgA activity. The lack of detectable anti-PR8 IgA antibodies in the lungs of PR8-immunized mice corresponds to the low level of such antibodies in the sera of PR8-immunized mice and suggests that the level of these antibodies in the lungs is beneath the detection level for ELISA.

Example 6 Production of a HA_(αGal)-M2e Fusion Protein

This example provides an exemplary method for producing a HA-M2e recombinant fusion protein for subsequent preparation of a HA_(αgal)-M2e immunogen. The steps illustrated in FIGS. 8A-C are a blue print for the generation of a HA-M2e fusion protein. Step 1 involves the amplification by PCR of the HA sequence (excluding the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain) of a flu virus of interest, using as the 5′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing a first restriction enzyme site and nucleotides of the 5′ region of HA (e.g., 5′HA primer), and as the 3′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing nucleotides encoding the 23 amino acid oligopeptide of M2e, nucleotides encoding a tri-glycine linker and 15 nucleotides of the 3′ region of HA but not including the stop codon (e.g., 3′HA primer), from an HA nucleic acid template. The M2e amino acid sequence of PR8 (SLLTEVETPIRNEWGSRSNDSSD set forth as SEQ ID NO: 10 encoded by 5′-agtcttctaa ccgaggtcga aacgcttatc agaaacgaat gggggtgcag atgcaacggt tcaagtgat-3′ set forth as SEQ ID NO: 11) is based on a published M2e sequence (Mozdzanowska et al., Vaccine, 21:2616-2626, 2003). Step 2 involves the amplification by PCR of a HA-M2e fusion gene, using as the 5′ primer the 5′HA primer described in step 1, and as the 3′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing a second restriction enzyme site, a stop codon, nucleotides encoding a polyhistidine (His₆) tag, and nucleotides corresponding to the 3′ region of M2e (3′M2e primer), from the purified PCR product of step 1 (template). The 5′HA primer contains a different restriction site from that of the 3′M2e primer to permit directional cloning. Step 3 involves cloning of the fused HA-M2e gene into a suitable vector for expression of the HA-M2e fusion protein in mammalian cells.

The HA-M2e fusion gene is inserted into an expression vector (e.g., Invitrogen pVAX1) containing a promoter active in mammalian cells (e.g., cytomegalovirus promoter) and a selectable marker (e.g., kanamycin resistance gene). Although the exemplary embodiment comprises the leader sequence of HA, other leader sequences may be used in place of this leader sequence (e.g., secretion signal from the V-J2-C region of mouse IS kappa chain). The plasmid transfected into a suitable host cell (e.g., Chinese hamster ovary cells) by a suitable method (e.g., electroporation), and kanamycin-resistant clones found to secrete large amounts of the HA-M2e fusion protein are selected (e.g., as determined by ELISA or western blot). After expansion of suitable clones, the fusion protein secreted from the cells into the culture medium is isolated by affinity chromatography (e.g., by binding to a nickel-sepharose column via the polyhistidine tag as previously described by Chen et al., Glycobiology 11:577, 2001). The generation of HA-M2e fusion proteins is not limited to the method described above and may be accomplished by other molecular biology methods known to those skilled in the art. Although the exemplary embodiment involves the use of culture cells for expression of the fusion protein, other types of systems may be employed in alternative embodiments (e.g., secretion into milk of transgenic animals engineered to express the fusion protein in cells of the mammary gland).

The purified fusion protein bound to nickel-Sepharose beads via the polyhistidine tag is subjected to synthesis of α-gal epitopes by incubation with neuraminidase, recombinant α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. Briefly the enzymatic reactions shown in FIG. 2 are performed simultaneously in an enzyme buffer containing 0.1 M MES (methyl ethyl morpholinosulfonate), pH 6.0, and 25 mM MnCl₂ as previously described for the synthesis of α-gal epitopes on influenza virus hemagglutinin (Henion et al., Vaccine, 15:1174-1182, 1997), on the bovine serum glycoprotein fetuin (Chen et al., supra, 2001), and on the human serum glycoprotein al, acid glycoprotein (Tanemura et al., Transplantation 73:1859-1868, 2002). The terminal sialic acid is removed by neuraminidase (1 mU/ml), and α-gal epitopes are synthesized on the HA-M2e by recombinant α1,3GT (30 μg/ml) and UDP-Gal (1 mM). The two enzymes are mixed in the same solution buffer and incubated with HA-NP (1 mg/ml) for 4 h at 37° C. At the end of the incubation period, the resulting HA_(αgal)-M2e is eluted from the beads with imidazole and subsequently prepared in an adjuvant for immunization purposes.

Example 7 Production of a HA_(αGal)-NP Fusion Protein

This example provides an exemplary method for producing a HA-NP recombinant fusion protein for subsequent preparation of a HA_(αgal)-NP immunogen. The steps illustrated in FIG. 9 are a blue print for the generation of a HA-NP fusion protein. Step 1 involves the amplification by PCR of a HA gene (excluding the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain) and an NP gene from virus nucleic acids. The HA gene is amplified using as the 5′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing a first restriction enzyme site and nucleotides corresponding to the 5′ region of HA (5′HA primer), and as the 3′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence encoding a tri-glycine linker and nucleotides corresponding to the 3′ region of HA (3′HA primer). The NP gene is amplified using as the 5′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing nucleotides corresponding to a 3′ region of HA, nucleotides encoding a tri-glycine linker and nucleotides corresponding to the 5′ region of NP (5′NP primer), and as the 3′ primer an oligonucleotide sequence containing a second restriction site (e.g., different from that of the 5′HA primer), a stop codon, nucleotides encoding a polyhistidine tag (six histidines) and nucleotides corresponding to the 3′ region of NO (3′NP primer). Step 2 involves the amplification by PCR of a HA-NP fusion gene from the PCR products of the previous step (e.g., purified amplified HA and NP genes). In the initial cycles, the HA gene serves as 5′ primer for the NP gene and the NP gene serves as 3′ primer for the HA gene, to generate the fused HA-NP gene. In later cycles, the HA-NP fusion gene is further amplified using as the 5′ and 3′ primers, the 5′HA primer and the 3′NP primer of the previous step. Step 3 involves cloning of the fused HA-NP gene into a suitable vector for expression of the HA-NP fusion protein in mammalian cells.

The HA-NP fusion gene is inserted into an expression vector (e.g., Invitrogen pVAX1) containing a promoter active in mammalian cells (e.g., cytomegalovirus promoter) and a selectable marker (e.g., kanamycin resistance gene). Although the exemplary embodiment comprises the leader sequence of HA, other leader sequences may be used in place of this leader sequence (e.g., secretion signal from the V-J2-C region of mouse Ig kappa chain). The plasmid transfected into a suitable host cell (e.g., Chinese hamster ovary cells) by a suitable method (e.g., electroporation), and kanamycin-resistant clones found to secrete large amounts of the HA-NP fusion protein are selected (e.g., as determined by ELISA or western blot). After expansion of suitable clones, the fusion protein secreted from the cells into the culture medium is isolated by affinity chromatography (e.g., by binding to a nickel-sepharose column via the polyhistidine tag as previously described by Chen et al., Glycobiology 11:577-586, 2001). The generation of HA-NP fusion proteins is not limited to the method described above and may be accomplished by other molecular biology methods known to those skilled in the art. Although the exemplary embodiment involves the use of culture cells for expression of the fusion protein, other types of systems may be employed in alternative embodiments (e.g., secretion into milk of transgnic animals engineered to express the fusion protein in cells of the mammary gland).

The purified fusion protein bound to nickel-Sepharose beads via the polyhistidine tag is subjected to synthesis of α-gal epitopes by incubation with neuraminidase, recombinant α1,3GT and UDP-Gal. Briefly the enzymatic reactions shown in FIG. 2 are performed simultaneously in an enzyme buffer containing 0.1 M MES (methyl ethyl morpholinosulfonate), pH 6.0, and 25 mM MnCl₂ as previously described for the synthesis of α-gal epitopes on influenza virus hemagglutinin (Henion et al., Vaccine, 15:1174-1182, 1997), on the bovine serum glycoprotein fetuin (Chen et al., supra, 2001), and on the human serum glycoprotein al, acid glycoprotein (Tanemura et al., Transplantation 73:1859-1868, 2002). The terminal sialic acid is removed by neuraminidase (1 mU/ml), and α-gal epitopes are synthesized on the HA-NP by recombinant α1,3GT (30 μg/ml) and UDP-Gal (1 mM). The two enzymes are mixed in the same solution buffer and incubated with HA-NP (1 mg/ml) for 4 h at 37° C. At the end of the incubation period, the resulting HA_(αgal)-NP is eluted from the beads with imidazole and subsequently prepared in an adjuvant for immunization purposes.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described method and system of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A method of producing an isolated fusion protein comprising an amino-terminal portion and a carboxy-terminal portion, the method comprising: a) providing recombinant host cells comprising i) a first expression vector, wherein said expression vector comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding said fusion protein in operable combination with a promoter, and wherein said amino-terminal portion comprises influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and said carboxy-terminal portion comprises a protein antigen of interest, and ii) a second expression vector comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding an α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) in operable combination with a promoter to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes; b) culturing said recombinant hosts cells to produce cultured recombinant host cells that produce influenza virus bearing multiple α-Gal epitopes, and produce said fusion protein; and c) isolating said fusion protein.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said influenza virus is an influenza A virus or an influenza B virus.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said protein antigen of interest comprises an influenza virus nucleoprotein.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said protein antigen of interest comprises an influenza virus M2e oligopeptide.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising incubating said fusion protein in the presence of neuraminidase, α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) and UDP-galactose to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said recombinant host cell further comprises an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding influenza virus neuraminidase in operable combination with a promoter to effect removal of sialic acid from said fusion protein to produce a sialic acid deficient fusion protein.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said method further comprises incubating said sialic acid deficient fusion protein in the presence of α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3gal) and UDP-galactose to produce a fusion protein comprising α-gal epitopes.
 8. The fusion protein produced by the method of claim
 1. 